in tip-top shape

Meaning

This expression means to be in excellent physical condition, perfect health, or working order. It can apply to people (meaning highly fit and healthy) or objects and systems (meaning well-maintained and functioning perfectly). The tone is highly positive and enthusiastic.

Examples

• She trains every single day to keep herself in tip-top shape.

  She trains every single day to keep herself in tip-top shape.

• Our mechanic made sure the car's engine was in tip-top shape before our road trip.

  Our mechanic made sure the car's engine was in tip-top shape before our road trip.

• After a few weeks of eating clean, I feel like I'm in tip-top shape.

  After a few weeks of eating clean, I feel like I'm in tip-top shape.

• We need to keep our kitchen in tip-top shape for the health inspection.

  We need to keep our kitchen in tip-top shape for the health inspection.

• At eighty years old, my grandfather is still in tip-top shape.

  At eighty years old, my grandfather is still in tip-top shape.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My car is in top-tip shape.

  ✓ My car is in tip-top shape.

  The correct reduplicative phrase is always 'tip-top', not 'top-tip'.

• ✗ He is in a tip-top shape.

  ✓ He is in tip-top shape.

  Do not use the indefinite article 'a' before 'tip-top shape' when describing a state of being.

Related Expressions

Practice

• She exercises daily to ensure her body is ___.

  💡 In excellent physical condition.

  Show answer

  in tip-top shape

• Before selling your house, make sure everything is ___.

  💡 In perfect working order.

  Show answer

  in tip-top shape